Followers express hope of world peace with Mother Teresa's Canonization

Updated: Sep 04, 2016 19:22 IST

Vatican City [Italy], Sept. 4 (ANI): Rejoicing over the canonization of Mother Teresa, her followers on Sunday expressed hope that it would bring an era of peace, cooperation and sympathy in the world.

Pope Francis declared Mother Teresa a saint at a Sunday morning Mass, making her the model of his Jubilee Year of Mercy.

"This occasion is so peaceful, there are lakhs of people present here for the celebration. The peace and content that can be seen on their faces is so amazing," said one of the followers of Mother Teresa.

"It is a great day for the world and it feels like after this day there will be a new era of peace, sympathy, cooperation and happiness. I hope todaY Mother Teresa's sainthood makes people more sensitive and brings peace in the world," she said.

Groups of people present to attend the ceremony were also seen holding the Indian flag and singing songs to celebrate the occasion.

Mother Teresa, known as the "saint of the gutters" during her life, was made a saint of the Roman Catholic Church, 19 years after her death.

Millions of Catholics revere her as a model of compassion. More than one lakh people attended the ceremony in front of St. Peter's Basilica.

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj lead a 12-member delegation to attend the function.

In India, a series of events were held in Kolkata to mark the occasion. A special mass was organised at the Mother House in the city, with nuns promising to celebrate with the poorest of the poor.

Her statue was also unveiled at Seashore St. Anthony's Shrine in Chennai.

Pope Francis had in March announced that Mother Teresa, who spent 45 years serving the poor and sick on the streets in Kolkata, will be elevated to sainthood after the Church recognised two miracles attributed to her after her death. (ANI)